a day out

The beautiful thing about summer in the Springs, is the generally mild heat, that usually doesn’t hang around too long each day.



Nothing an afternoon shower can’t cool down either. 




One of our favorite places to go in the summer is Fox Run Regional Park.  We had a lovely day out picnic-ing, turtle watching, and playing.  Of course we had to stop and get an ice cream cone afterwards. 

Camping {2016}

I don’t know how it happened, but somehow in the past year or so, these four kids of mine grew up enough to make going places fun. 



Don’t get me wrong…we usually seem to find fun whatever we are doing.  But I’m talking about the work vs. fun payoff.  You know what I'm talking about:  when the sheer volume of work and nonsense outweighs the fun and relaxation that you get to experience.


Up until recently, the amount of work (and usual shenanigans) feels very out of balance.



I know…it’s all part of parenting.  Lots of work.





There was a time, not that long ago, that getting 6 people ready for tent camping was more work than I could manage.  Instead we opted for day camping trips (click here and here to see) that minimized the amount of work, and lessened the opportunity for these rambunctious, loud, dirt seeking kids I get to call mine.


Having kids old enough to help, and two working legs (now pain free for almost a year!) makes a huge difference.  It's also amazing being able to participate in the memory making, not just being a side observer!
































































This was a really fun camping trip!  We are hoping to go again at least once more this summer. :)

Summer Vacation 2016